Immortal Wounds: Book #1 in the Immortal Wounds Vampire Series-Paranormal Romance/Vampire Romance/Romantic Fantasy (17 page)

He reached over and gently pulled me to him. His strong arms wrapped around me as he cradled me against his body. I stared back into his eyes, watching the crimson swirl amongst the chocolate brown I’d grown to love.

“You can see me, clearly, in the dark, can’t you?” He had a look of wonderment.

“Yes . . .”

He shook his head. “Your body is going through so many changes. I’m not sure where it will stop. I can’t take the chance of turning you . . . I don’t know how you’d react to being bit now that you’ve been infected by a werewolf. Our bite can be extremely lethal to them.”

I realized then that Marcus
had
considered turning me. He had to want to be with me as much as I wanted to be with him. There had to be a way . . .

“If I were immortal, we could stay together, right?”

He nodded hesitantly. His eyes searching mine for where I was going with this.

“What if I were . . .” I had to be insane. I took a deep breath and braced for the explosion. “What if I were bit again . . . by a werewolf?

His face fell. “What?” He pushed away from me completely and rose from the floor, his body suddenly on the other side of the room. His eyes were once again black and intense.

“I said—”

“I heard you! I just can’t believe you’d suggest it!” He spat the words at me.

“You don’t have to get so mad. It was just an idea, I thought—”

“You didn’t think!” he snapped. I could feel the moisture building in my eyes. “I don’t want you anywhere near a werewolf. They’ll be looking for you as it is. Let’s not make it any easier for them.”

“What do you mean they’ll be looking for me?” I jumped to my feet, clutching my hands to my chest.

“They’ll be wanting to turn you . . . completely—if you survive.”

“If I survive?”

“Not everyone survives a bite from a werewolf, Phoebe. Most die either from shock or the venom. I’m surprised, with your intolerance for pain you lived at all. I can only guess it’s because Damen didn’t infect you entirely,” he added as an afterthought.

I couldn’t believe this. “I was just trying to think of a way to stay with you,” I said in a small voice.

Marcus face softened. “They’re drawn to their own kind. I don’t know if anything like this has happened before. I can’t imagine Damen will want you to remain half human. He wants you. Now after all this time, he’s taken the upper hand and turned the tables . . . without even planning it,” he mused darkly. “It has to be why he’s followed you here.”

I stared at him in disbelief. A hundred different questions popped up in my head at once.

“You’re not a vampire anymore. He must think if he turns you completely, he’ll have a chance with the heart he couldn’t have so long ago.”

“But that’s crazy!”

Marcus said nothing.

“So that’s it then?” I said in defeat. “He’ll keep chasing me until he bites me again. I’ll have to live in fear forever? Maybe I should just let him have me and get it over with,” I said hopelessly.

“He won’t get the opportunity,” Marcus growled.

I smiled flatly at him. “He already did,” I pointed out, remembering Damen in my living room, brushing my cheek with a kiss.

Even in my dark bedroom, the look of fury that settled on Marcus’s face was frightening

“And if he succeeds?” I shrugged, “Could you still love me?”

Marcus moved toward me. His hard expression had all but vanished. He pressed his lips to my forehead.

I closed my eyes, feeling his kiss move along the side of my face and down my jaw line to the hollow of my neck where he paused. His lips trembled as my head, so heavy now, fell back a little—exposing my throat to him. A low moan came from within him, causing my heart to beat all the faster. He held me close, supporting the weight of my body effortlessly against his.

“I can hear the blood flowing through your veins,” his voice sounded gruff.

And as if he commanded the rhythm of my heart, it beat faster still. I could feel him watching my chest rise with every breath I took. I couldn’t move. I was in the arms of my one true love. The only love my existence has ever known. A predator who could kill me instantly, yet . . . I wasn’t afraid.

Marcus lowered me onto the bed. His body in sync with mine, he lay on top, careful not to burden me with his entire weight. He stared long into my eyes. “I’d love you no matter what you were,” he finally said. His words like music to my ears.

I smiled.

“Phoebe . . .”

The smile on my face slipped away. Marcus's eyes were a frightening shade of amber.

“I can’t let you go.” He sounded scared now. He’d been pushed too far, and he knew it.

My earlier
offer
to give Marcus a little of my blood was now a terrifying memory that paled in comparison to the danger that gazed upon me.

“Marcus. You don’t have to stay with me. I’ll be fine.” I trembled in his arms.

He tilted his head, better angling it with my neck. He licked his lips. “I can’t leave you alone . . . and I can’t let you go,” he hissed through his teeth. He looked like he was in physical pain. He wanted my blood—bad.

“Marcus, I’m going to back away slowly . . .” I spoke like there was a bomb that could be detonated at any moment. “I’m just going to scoot through your arms . . .”

I got as far as my waist, putting my heart right about eye level. I froze. I knew he could hear it beating—louder and louder—it was almost deafening. His eyes met mine. I could see him battling within himself, but the predator was winning over.

I jerked quickly through his arms but found myself flat on my back again, the weight of his body holding me down. He held my wrists to either side of my head. His eyes were wild, animal-like. His teeth gleamed white.

“Marcus. You don’t want me like this.” I breathed heavily. There was no denying it. At this moment, he was a vampire—and I was afraid.

“I do want you . . . I need you . . .”

I yelped, as his lips touched the hollow of my throat abruptly.

I had to distract him, to shake him. It was the only way he’d be strong enough to let me go. The only way he’d fight the urge he was so afraid of—the urge to bite me.

I seized my moment. My mouth claimed his as he lifted his head up to look at me.

He responded as I hoped he would. He released my wrists and kissed me eagerly, wantonly.

I grabbed his pants waist and jerked his body to mine. His breath caught. He pulled his head back and stared wide-eyed at me. The look of blood-lust was fading, and a new fear was taking over him.

“We’re ready.” I twined my fingers through the back of his hair and pulled him into a kiss that would stop any man’s heart. He didn’t protest. I kissed him feverishly, tasting the delicious flavor of his mouth.

“No!” He pushed away from me, my body instantly mourning the loss of his touch. “I can’t do this.”

I felt an incredible pull to Marcus, each taste made me want another. His very smell was drawing me closer . . . I’d forgotten what I’d been trying to do. I couldn’t think clearly. All I knew now was that I wanted him, desperately. And I was willing to overlook all danger to have him.

I reached for his face, taking it gently in my hands. I tried to pull him back to me. I needed to taste his lips again.

“No Phoebe,” his voice was low. “I won’t risk it. Especially when I’m hungry,” he growled in frustration. I could hear how tortured his voice sounded. “I was afraid for this to happen. Afraid I’d want you this way.” His eyes dropped to my neck. “Afraid I’d need you this way.”

I didn’t know what had come over me. I found myself tilting my neck, offering him what I knew he wanted.

He hissed, snapping me out of whatever trance I’d been in.

I sat up, staring at him wide-eyed.

His face was hard. A muscle ticked under his right eye. “You offered yourself to me again.”

I opened my mouth to speak, and nothing—I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t meant to do that. It was as if my body had moved on its own accord.

“Your humanity cannot resist me,” Marcus said as if reading my thoughts. “It’s how we lure our victims.” His voice cracked. He wasn’t apologizing, but the look on his face was one of disgust. He didn’t like the thought of that . . . at least with me being the potential victim.

My eyes widened in understanding. That was why I was willing to do anything to have him. Even offer my blood. I reached up and touched my neck. His eyes followed. He still wanted it. He still wanted me. But he was in control now. I took a deep breath and sighed.

“You seem relieved,” he noted.

“It took a lot of effort to help you resist me. I don’t think I have the strength to do it again.

“You?” Marcus laughed, taking me completely by surprise. “You’re dangerously clever . . . that may not have worked in your favor though.”

A thought I was now aware of. “It was a risk I was willing to take,” I admitted shyly. Had I not tried to seduce him, coax him into believing that I wanted to make love—now—he wouldn’t have had the strength to pull away. Marcus’s fear of us being together intimately outweighed his fear of biting me . . . at least that was what I’d been counting on. He was right though, it might not have worked in my favor.

Marcus shot me a disapproving look that faded into a slight smile. “You need your sleep.” As if, that could happen.

“Do you still need to go?” I asked.

“I’ll stay as long as I can,” he promised. “But, I’ll be back before you need to leave.”

I climbed into the covers beside him, settling my head in the crook of his neck. “Marcus?” I yawned.

“Yes my dear?” his voice was low, like a whisper.

I smiled to myself as I repeated “my dear” over in my head. I liked the way it sounded, especially when he said it. “Do you remember making love—when I was the other Phoebe?”

He stiffened. “Yes. A memory I hold dear,” he added softly.

I thought about that for a moment, my heart racing at the very idea. “Marcus?” I hesitated for a moment, hating to ask the next question.

“Yes, my love?”

“Is it safe for me to fall asleep?”

“Nothing will harm you.” He answered without hesitation. “I give you my word.”

With one arm under my neck and the other around my waist, I felt quite safe and comfortable with him. I smiled as I drifted off to sleep almost instantly.

I had been so tired that I didn’t even wake when Marcus got out of the bed. I didn’t even know what time he’d left. The early morning sun shining through my bedroom window gave promises for a beautiful day. I didn’t want to dwell too much on last night. Today was going to be great!  Marcus and I were off to Portland. We’d have several days away to relax and hopefully get closer. I had to believe that we could find a way to be together . . . safely.

I looked out the window as I finished my bowl of cereal. It was one of those days I couldn’t wait to be outside. The air was warm, the sun—bright, and birds were singing. I was in love. Everything was rose colored.

I glanced at the clock 9:00 a.m. This was the usual time I took my morning run. I could be back in an hour if I hurried. “I’d probably beat Marcus back,” I thought aloud.

I looked out the window once again. That scared feeling I had last night when I didn’t want Marcus to leave me, was creeping back. Damen was out there somewhere, maybe looking for me, and I knew it.

“But he wouldn’t think to look for me at the park, would he?” I shook away the thought. I couldn’t let myself be afraid like this. I couldn’t shut myself away in my house forever. If I didn’t leave now, I’d never go out alone ever again. I’d always be afraid. And I would always guilt Marcus into staying with me. “Look how well that turned out,” I thought to myself, thinking back to last night’s near blood bath.

I looked back to the window. I really had no reason to think Damen would be looking for me today; or any day for that matter. For all I knew, he’d given up left town. I was already packed, and aside from needing a quick shower, I was ready to go. It was silly to just sit here and wait.

I changed into my running clothes, put my hair in a pony, and wrote Marcus a quick note—just in case he did return before I did.

Dear Marcus,

I’m all packed to go! I had a little time so I went for a quick jog through Redwood Park. (South East of here) I should be back around 10:00. Xoxo (kisses and hugs)

Phoebe

I left the note on the table, hoping Marcus would check the back door and find it unlocked for him; then headed for the park.

If I run for half an hour, that would give me plenty of time to get back by 10:00, I thought as I got out of the car and checked my watch.

There didn’t seem to be anyone else around. Weird, on a day like today, I thought this place would be crawling with joggers—or at least running with them. I couldn’t help but laugh at my bad joke.

I started up one of my favorite paths, thickly shaded by Redwood trees. I loved to look at the moss that grew up the trunks and over the fallen trees that lay on the forest floor. I ran by giant ferns that grew taller than I was, and occasionally, I might get to see one of the many forest animals hurrying along with their busy day. My favorite part of this place was when I paused to take a moment to look up at the treetops. The trees seemed to reach high up into the heavens. Bits of sunlight peeked through here and there, warming my skin and casting an orange glow on the needled path.

My feet moved lightly over the thick path. I couldn’t believe how quiet everything was today. I couldn’t hear a sound. Not even a bird . . . I started to run faster; something was very wrong.

This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come alone. I could feel eyes watching me. I tried to listen as I ran, but my feet seemed noisier as fear took hold of me. I caught a distinct smell across the wind. It wasn’t Damen . . . but it did smell familiar . . .

There was a fallen tree up ahead blocking the path. The tree had to be a good two feet around. I could jump it—I would try. I couldn’t slow down. I needed to get out of here. Now.

Beads of sweat dripped from my forehead. My heart was pounding its way out of my chest. I looked around. My eyes darted in every direction, looking for anything that might be a threat.

I was fast approaching the tree. One, two, three—I was in mid air hurdling the log when I was tackled from the side and knocked clear from the path. I flew fast through the air, landing hard on my back, my bones cracking on impact. I gasped for air—

My eyes wouldn’t focus, but I was painfully aware that something was on top of me. “Brian?” My eyes narrowed, trying to make out his face. “What are you doing?” I was somewhat relieved it was Brian and not Damen.

“I didn’t mean to tackle you so hard,” he said flatly.

My senses were coming back to me. “What the heck is wrong with you? You could have killed me!” I choked on the words, each breath more painful than the next. “Get . . . off

. . . me!”

“No!”

“No?” I gasped in disbelief.

“Why was that guy at your house all night?” he asked angrily.

“What? Were you spying on me?” disgust coated my words.

“I wasn’t
spying
. I was coming to ask you out again when I saw the two of you leaving together.”

“So how do you know he stayed the night?” I asked sarcastically as I struggled painfully beneath him, futilely trying to push him off.

“Because I saw you come home with him,” he growled through his teeth. “And he didn’t leave until early this morning.”

I stopped struggling. “You stayed outside my house all night?”

“Never mind that! What kind of guy sneaks off in the middle of the night?” His tone was accusing.

I huffed. “What kind of guy
stalks
someone, ‘in the middle of the night’?” I threw his words back at him.

Brian narrowed his eyes.

“He needed to leave early . . . and it’s none of your business anyway!  Now get off me! I think you broke my ribs . . .” I moaned.

“I don’t get it?” he continued, ignoring my efforts to free myself. “I’m a good looking guy, I have money. We’ve been friends since high school. I’ve been more than patient with you. And you let this guy that shows up out of nowhere sleep with you right off.” He glared at me, possibly considering his next move.

“Sleep!” I snapped. “That’s all we did was sleep Brian, and again, it’s
none
of your business. We’re not dating!” I hit his shoulder with my fist. My temper was rising to an all time high. Not to mention I was in real pain.

Brian grinned.

“I mean it Brian, get off me. I don’t like being held down like this.” An image of Damen on top of Phoebe ran through my mind. Although I knew Brian wouldn’t be turning into a werewolf, I was still starting to feel a panic attack coming on. The situations were too similar.

“You’re not going anywhere until you explain why you won’t go out with me. What’s this guy have that I don’t—except for that snobby British accent,” he scoffed.

“Manners!” I shouted.

“You don’t know what you’re missing,” he said with smug confidence.

What I’m missing? “Are you crazy?”

His face closed in on mine. “There is something different about you . . . I noticed it before. I can’t get you out of my head . . . even your smell!” He stared at me with a dream like gaze.

“It’s called soap Brian, now get off me!”

He leaned in and pressed his nose against my neck. I winced as I cringed away from his touch.

“It’s you . . . it’s your skin . . .” he took another deep breath.

“Quit smelling me!” Somehow I’d managed to slap his face.

He jerked his head back and glowered. In the next instant, his mouth came crashing down on mine. He pushed hard against my lips, crushing them with his. I kept my mouth closed. His lips, sloppy and wet, moved over mine eagerly, ignoring my protests.

The pain in my ribs was excruciating. I could hardly breathe under the weight of his body. Tears leaked out the corners of my eyes.

“Get off me!” I choked—my mouth finally breaking free.

Suddenly a look of surprise flooded his eyes. A hand appeared on his shoulder and ripped him off me with such force—his body went flying backward into a tree a good fifteen feet away. The only sound was the air escaping his lungs upon impact.

I laid there in shock, staring at my rescuer.

“Phoebe!”

I was too scared to speak.

Damen turned to Brian who was shaking his head in disbelief.

“You really shouldn’t force a lady against her will—no matter how appealing she is,” he growled.

“You’re going to regret that,” Brian snapped, jumping to his feet. His temper was boiling. This wasn’t the Brian I knew . . . or thought I knew. This man was crazed.

“I think you’d better leave if you ever care to use those lips again,” Damen threatened. There was no play in his words.

I could see the fear in Brian’s face. He looked at me still frozen on the ground, covered in dirt and redwood needles. “This isn’t over,” he promised.

“I wouldn’t advise you attempting that again,” Damen warned as he stepped toward Brian. “You won’t leave walking next time.”

I stared open mouthed at Damen. He was letting Brian go?

Brian backed away slowly, maintaining constant eye contact before he turned and ran down the path.

I had one eye on Brian fleeing and the other on Damen as he now turned to me.

He walked slowly toward me, his hands outstretched. I held my aching ribs firmly and scooted backward, backing myself right into a tree—I was trapped!

“I’m not going to hurt you!” he said calmly, as he approached.

My eyes narrowed, I didn’t trust him.

“Are you alright?” I could hear the worry in his voice. All I could do was stare. I knew what he was, and more importantly, I knew what he was capable of. I’d seen him kill a thousand times . . . in my dreams anyway.

He stared at my clothes that were all askew—he paled. “Tell me I got to you before he . . .” His words broke off. He closed his eyes, took in a deep breath and opened them again—his yellow eyes now stared back at me, I swallowed hard. I knew those eyes . . .

“You’re alright now.” I didn’t know if he said this for my benefit or for his.

I heard a twig snap off in the distance. I gasped as I jumped and clung onto the tree behind me for safety. No one was going to separate me from this tree. I looked wildly around . . . searching for any trace of Brian. Praying he wouldn’t come back.

“He’s not coming back, Phoebe. I swear on my life; he will
never
touch you again!” His words were full of malice. . . I knew he meant them. There was something familiar about the fierceness in which he was protecting me.

“Do you want me to take you home?” he asked.

I jerked away from his reach.

“Phoebe. I can’t leave you here like this. Do you understand me?” He spoke slowly, like my mind might not be able to comprehend what he was saying.

I nodded sharply.

“I’m just going to lift you up,” he said slowly as he moved toward me again. “I promise to take you home.”

“NO!” I yelled. It didn’t even sound like my voice.

His hands came out again, motioning for me to calm down. He knelt on the ground a few feet away, his eyes, still yellow, were reflecting concern.

I felt as though I were falling apart. I held onto the tree tightly. My teeth chattered inside my head as my body shook with fear. What was happening to me? I leaned my head against the tree, trying to steady myself.